Multi-patterned floor covering sample element

ABSTRACT

A multi-patterned rug display sample embodying at least two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across a common surface for simultaneous comparative evaluation by a potential purchaser. The rug display sample may be patterned to include two or more geometric or solid patterns corresponding to patterns available on floor covering products independent of the display sample.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a surface covering, such as a wallcovering or floor covering sample display element, and more particularlyto a floor covering sample display element incorporating a multiplicityof design combinations across a common surface so as to reduce spacerequirements for the display of multiple available colors, patterns, andcombinations thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is well known to utilize floor covering elements ofsubstantially planar configuration for disposition across flooringsurfaces. Such floor covering elements may include broadloom carpeting,carpet tile, mats and area rugs. In the trade, the term “area rugs”refers to free laying floor covering elements ranging in shape(rectangular, oval, circular, etc.) and size from relatively smalldimensions to substantial size in the range of 12 ft.×15 ft. or greater.

[0003] In the marketing of area rugs, respective samples with eachsample embodying one of various available patterns and color schemes aretypically arranged in a hanging orientation on respective swinging rackelements so as to permit a potential purchaser to examine a large numberof available styles and patterns in relatively close proximity to oneanother. In recent years, the variety of available patterns and colorschemes has increased, as manufacturing techniques have become moreversatile. Accordingly, the options available to a potential purchaserhave been correspondingly expanded. In particular, the number ofavailable patterns has increased each of which may be available in anumber of different color combinations. The number of possible choicesis increased still further by the availability of border patterns ofdifferent styles and colorations which may be incorporated around abasic pattern if desired.

[0004] While the availability of a wide array of design combinations isbelieved to be beneficial to the consumer, the display of the variousavailable combinations has proven to be problematic due to the cost andspace requirements for a sufficient number of display racks to presenteach available combination.

[0005] As a possible resolution to this problem, it has been proposed todisplay area rug samples wherein one available color scheme is utilizedwithin the interior portion of the sample area rug and variousalternative available bordering patterns are displayed in the form ofseparate attached smaller samples. However, this sample displaytechnique has the deficiency of requiring space allocation for theborder sample elements. In addition, if the pattern for the main portionof the area rug is available in two or more colors, a correspondingnumber of samples is nonetheless still required to provide the potentialpurchaser with the ability to view those particular colors. Suchcombined area rugs and sample rug pieces form a substantial weight andbulk for each display rack. Also, it is difficult to attach multiplerugs or rug pieces (corners) to a single rack. Finally, the displaysystem which utilizes sample rugs in combination with discrete samplesof bordering patterns leaves open the possibility that the display rugitself may be intentionally or inadvertently sold to a perspectivepurchaser having an immediate desire for the article. Such a sale of thesample area rug may cause confusion due to the lack of subsequentpairing between a rug and the remaining discrete border pattern samples.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention offers advantages and alternatives over theprior art by providing a surface covering display element such as anarea rug sample display element which may be viewed by a potentialpurchaser and which incorporates across a common surface a multiplicityof available patterns and/or color schemes which may be selected forincorporation within an area rug or other surface covering, wallcovering or floor covering article for purchase. A single sample rug maybest be used to convey visual information to a perspective purchaserwhich previously required two or more discrete sample units. Moreovervirtually any number of combinations of patterns and/or colorationschemes may be incorporated into the single sample rug thereby providingthe potential purchaser with the ability to simultaneously view variousalternatives across a common surface without having to move physicallyfrom one display unit to another and thereby further enhancing theability to select an appropriate and desirable color and/or patterningscheme. In addition, color and/or pattern reference numbers and/or otherinformation (text and/or numbers) may be incorporated integrally withinthe sample rug in a coordinated arrangement with each of the differentdisplayed regions thereby enhancing the accuracy of the ordering processonce a desired color and pattern arrangement is selected.

[0007] These advantages are accomplished in a potentially preferred formof the invention by providing a multi-patterned rug sample embodying atleast two different geometric designs and/or coloration schemes across acommon surface. The display rug is preferably of a substantially fullsized geometry such as a 6 ft.×9 ft. construction for display on atraditional sample rack although larger and smaller geometries maylikewise be utilized if desired. The display rug also preferablyincludes integral display legends designating the patterns present inthe various patterned regions to facilitate subsequent ordering of anarea rug incorporating features of those defined regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and whichconstitute a part of this specification illustrate several potentiallypreferred embodiments of the present invention and together with thegeneral description of the invention given above and the detaileddescription set forth below, serve to explain the principles of theinvention wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a representative side view of an exemplary area rugdisplay rack;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a top view of the display rack illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a surface plan view of an embodiment of an area rugsample display element according to the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 3A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a plan view of the surface of an embodiment of a floorcovering sample display element according to the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 4A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the surface of an embodiment of a floorcovering sample display element according to the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 5A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the surface of an embodiment of a floorcovering sample element according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 6A is a black and white view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6;

[0019]FIG. 7 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display of twosubstantially different patterned regions within a single sample displayelement;

[0020]FIG. 8 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display of fourdiscrete patterns within a single sample display element;

[0021]FIG. 9 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display of twodifferent major pattern elements and available auxiliary patternelements within a single sample display unit; and

[0022]FIG. 10 illustrates a geometric arrangement for the display ofmultiple major pattern elements and dedicated auxiliary pattern elementsassociated with each of the major pattern elements within a singlesample display unit.

[0023] While the invention has been illustrated and generally describedabove and will hereinafter be described in connection with certainpotentially preferred embodiments and practices, it is to be understoodand appreciated that in no event is the invention to be limited to suchillustrated and described embodiments and practices. On the contrary, itis intended that the present invention shall extend to all alternativesand modifications as may embrace the broad principles of this inventionwithin the true spirit and scope thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Turning now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 there is illustrated adisplay rack 10 as may be used to display area rug samples in a purchaseenvironment. As shown, the display rack 10 may include a pair ofvertical posts 12 and at least one horizontal bar element 14 extendingbetween the vertical posts 12. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality ofsupport rods 18 project outwardly away from the horizontal element 14.The support rods 18 are preferably hingeable relative to the horizontalbar element 14 so as to permit support rods 18 adjacent to one anotherto be hingeably separated in opposing directions thereby opening aviewing space between such adjacent support rods 18. In practice, a rugsample 20 may extend downwardly away from either side of each supportrod 18 such that each support rod 18 carries two rug samples 20.

[0025] While the display 10 as illustrated represents one exemplaryembodiment, it is to be understood and appreciated that the presentinvention is in no way to be limited to any particular embodiment ofdisplay rack. To the contrary, it is contemplated that the presentinvention is useful in any display environment without regard to theactual means of display. For example, rugs may be displayed in drawers,shelves, or slides. Accordingly, the display rack 10 as illustrated anddescribed is to be understood to be exemplary only and in no waylimiting to the present invention.

[0026] Regardless of the actual construction of the display rack 10, inthe past the sample rugs 20 have typically been displayed in the form inwhich they are actually to be purchased and used. That is, the rugsample 20 has typically corresponded substantially to the rug which thepurchaser is ultimately sold. However, such a display practicenecessitates the allocation of sufficient space to house individual rugsamples 20 corresponding to each available pattern and/or colorationscheme. As the number of available patterns and coloration schemesincreases, so too does the space required to present correspondingsamples.

[0027] As will be appreciated, area rugs may incorporate either asubstantially uniform pattern across their surface or may utilize acombination of patterns, colors and borders to achieve desired aestheticcharacteristics. The most simple uniform pattern across the entiresurface is a single solid color extending across substantially theentire surface of the area rug. A substantially repeating geometricpattern such as a floral pattern or the like may also extend in asubstantially uninterrupted manner across the entire surface.

[0028] In many area rugs, a substantially solid color pattern or arepeating geometric pattern may extend across the interior of the rugsurrounded by color coordinated bordering colors and/or patterns. Thecoordinated presentation of the bordering patterns in conjunction withthe interior portion has a substantial influence upon the finalappearance of the rug in the environment of use. In this regard, for anygiven interior pattern, it has been found that relatively minor changesin the coloration of the bordering patterns may give rise to fairlysubstantial changes in the final overall appearance of the rug.

[0029] In a first exemplary embodiment of the invention as illustratedin FIGS. 3 and 3A, a sample rug 320 is provided which incorporatesacross its show surface a representative pattern portion 322 whichprovides the viewer with an understanding of the character andarrangement of the various pattern elements. In the illustratedembodiment, the representative pattern portion 322 includes a majorinterior pattern portion 324 and a boundary portion 326. A plurality ofalternative pattern portions 328 are present on the same surface orsubstrate as the representative pattern portion 322. As illustrated, thealternative pattern portions may display corners of various availablerug designs incorporating the alternative patterns or colors so as tofacilitate an understanding of relative spatial orientation of designcomponents by the viewer.

[0030] According to the illustrated and potentially preferred practice,the rug sample element 320 is a unitary structure formed by appropriateformation and patterning techniques. In this regard, it is contemplatedthat the alternative pattern portions 328 may be applied by patternedcolor tufting or weaving techniques, inlaying techniques, and/orprinting techniques. It is contemplated that printing techniques may beparticularly useful. Such printing techniques may include by way ofexample, screen printing, jet dye printing, transfer printing, andcombinations thereof. Jet dye printing utilizing a plurality of finedimension dye jet streams may be particularly preferred. Regardless ofthe mechanism utilized to apply the array of patterns across the rugsample element 320, the final resulting construction provides apotential purchaser with a view of multiple available combinations ofcoloration and/or geometric patterns which would otherwise have to bedisplayed on two or more separate rugs.

[0031] As illustrated, according to the potentially preferred practice,both the representative pattern portion 322 as well as each of thealternate pattern portions 328 is preferably designated by a readableidentifying legend 340 The identifying legend 340 may be in eithermachine readable or human readable form. Human readable form may bepotentially preferred to facilitate the placement of orders by retailcustomers.

[0032] It is to be appreciated that the present invention permitsvarious pattern portions to be disposed across the surface of the rugsample element 320 according to a wide variety of arrangements. In FIG.4, a rug sample element 420 is illustrated wherein the alternate patternportions 428 are arranged across the upper portion of the rug sampleelement 420 and the representative pattern portion 422 is disposed belowand to the side of the arranged alternate pattern portions 428.

[0033] According to another potentially preferred embodiment of thepresent invention illustrated in FIG. 5, a rug sample element 520 may bepatterned to include a representative pattern portion 522 including aninterior pattern portion 524 and a boundary portion 526. In thisembodiment, one or more alternate pattern portions 528 includinginterior portion 524′ and boundary portions 526′ are arranged around atleast a portion of the perimeter of the rug sample element 520 so as toprovide the appearance of substantial continuity of the boundary portion526 while nonetheless exhibiting a plurality of possible patterningcombinations (in a single sample rug).

[0034] In FIG. 6 there is illustrated yet a further alternativeembodiment of the present invention wherein a rug sample element 620 issubdivided into a plurality of substantially discrete pattern portions650, 652, 654, 656 disposed in a coordinated pattern across the surfaceof the rug sample element 620 such that each pattern portion occupiesone quadrant of the rug sample element 620. According to the illustratedembodiment, each of the substantially discrete pattern portions 650,652, 654, 656 defines a substantially discrete pattern and/or colorcombination while simultaneously cooperatively defining a portion of anentire rug structure. As will be appreciated, while the rug sampleelement 320 illustrated in FIG. 6 incorporates four substantiallydiscrete pattern portions 650, 652, 654, 656 such segmentation mayresult in either a greater or lesser number of discrete pattern portionsif desired. Accordingly, by way of example only, and not limitation, itis contemplated that the rug sample element 620 may include as few astwo substantially discrete pattern portions or any odd or even number inexcess of two as may be desired and necessary to represent variouspatterning and/or color options including by way of example only, anarrangement of six or eight pattern portions.

[0035] While each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 illustraterug sample elements used to display alternative coloration schemesapplicable to common patterns, it is also contemplated that a single rugsample element according to the present invention may incorporate two ormore substantially different patterns either in the same or differentcolor schemes. Such an embodiment is illustrated in representativemanner in FIG. 7 wherein a single rug sample element 720 incorporates afirst segment 760 and a second segment 762. The pattern across the firstsegment 760 is distinct from the pattern across the second segment 762.

[0036] In FIG. 8 a further representative illustration of the ability toprovide a multiplicity of patterns across a single rug sample element820 is illustrated wherein four substantially discrete pattern portions864, 866, 868, 870 are provided. Of course, it is likewise understoodthat any greater or lesser number of pattern portions may also beutilized.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 9 in accordance with the present inventiona rug sample element 920 may be provide wherein discrete patternportions 970, 972 may be arranged across the surface of the rug sampleelement 920. In addition, one or more auxiliary pattern portions 974 maybe disposed in an arrangement across the surface of the rug sampleelement 920. It is contemplated that such an arrangement may beparticularly useful in the event that the auxiliary pattern portions 974are commonly available for both the discrete pattern portions 970, 972.

[0038] The present invention also enables the presentation of a numberof discrete pattern portions and affiliated auxiliary pattern elementswithin a common structure. One such arrangement is illustrated inrepresentative fashion in FIG. 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.10, a rug sample element 1020 is provided including a first patternportion 1080 and a second pattern portion 1082 having a substantiallydifferent pattern. A plurality of auxiliary pattern portions 1084available for use in conjunction with the pattern present across thefirst pattern portion 1180 are disposed adjacent to the first patternportion 1180. Likewise, a plurality of auxiliary pattern portions 1186available for use in combination with the pattern displayed within thesecond pattern portion 1182 are disposed adjacent to the second patternportion 1182 for use in the selection of an appropriate combination ofpatterning elements.

[0039] It is, of course, to be understood that the present inventionextends to any surface covering display element, such as wall coveringor floor covering display elements which incorporate an arrangement ofcolored and/or patterned regions which display patterns and/orcoloration schemes selectable by a potential purchaser. Such a floorcovering element is useful in the simultaneous display of multiplepattern, border or color options for area rugs, as well as for otherfloor covering elements including floor mats, broadloom carpeting andcarpet tile. Thus, the embodiments and practices which have beenparticularly illustrated and described herein are intended to beexemplary only and are in no event to be construed as in any mannerlimiting the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understoodand appreciated that the present invention is intended to extended toall modifications and variations as may incorporate the broad aspects ofthe invention within the full spirit and scope of the appended claimsand all equivalents thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A floor covering sample display element for usein selection of a floor covering product pattern, the sample displayelement comprising: a rug element including a patterned surface whereinsaid patterned surface includes an arrangement of at least twoselectable patterns corresponding to patterns of floor covering productsindependent from the sample display element.
 2. A floor covering sampledisplay element as recited in claim 1, wherein said rug element is of asize and shape substantially corresponding to said floor coveringproduct.
 3. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim1, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patternscomprises at least one inlayed pattern portion across said patternedsurface.
 4. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim1, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patternscomprises at least one color tufted pattern portion across saidpatterned surface.
 5. A floor covering sample display element as recitedin claim 1, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectable patternscomprises at least one dyed pattern portion across said patternedsurface.
 6. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim5, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portion comprises a screenprinted dye pattern.
 7. A floor covering sample display element asrecited in claim 5, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portioncomprises a transfer printed dye pattern.
 8. A floor covering sampledisplay element as recited in claim 5, wherein said at least one dyedpattern portion comprises a jet printed dye pattern.
 9. A floor coveringsample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said patternedsurface includes an arrangement of three or more selectable patternscorresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of thesample display element.
 10. A floor covering sample display element asrecited in claim 1, wherein said patterned surface includes anarrangement of four or more selectable patterns corresponding topatterns for floor covering products independent of the sample displayelement.
 11. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim1, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of six or moreselectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor coveringproducts independent of the sample display element.
 12. A floor coveringsample display element as recited in claim 1, wherein said patternedsurface includes an arrangement of eight or more selectable patternscorresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of thesample display element.
 13. A floor covering sample display element asrecited in claim 1, wherein said at least two selectable patternscomprise substantially similar geometric designs but are different incolor.
 14. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim1, wherein said at least two selectable patterns comprise substantiallydifferent geometric designs.
 15. A floor covering sample display elementas recited in claim 14, wherein said at least two selectable patternscomprise substantially different geometric designs of different colors.16. A floor covering sample display element as recited in claim 1,wherein said rug element further includes one or more integral readablepattern identification legends identifying at least a portion of said atleast two selectable patterns.
 17. A floor covering sample displayelement for use in selection of an area rug floor covering productpattern, the sample display element comprising: a rug element includinga patterned surface wherein said patterned surface includes anarrangement of at least two selectable patterns corresponding topatterns of area rug floor covering products independent from the sampledisplay element and wherein at least one of said at least two selectablepatterns comprises an interior portion and a boundary portion andwherein said boundary portion includes a pattern different from theinterior portion.
 18. A floor covering sample display element as recitedin claim 17, wherein said rug element further includes one or moreintegral readable pattern identification legends identifying at least aportion of said at least two selectable patterns.
 19. A floor coveringsample display element for use in selection of an area rug floorcovering product pattern, the sample display element comprising: a rugelement including a patterned surface wherein said patterned surfaceincludes an arrangement of at least two selectable patternscorresponding to patterns of area rug floor covering productsindependent from the sample display element and wherein at least one ofsaid at least two selectable patterns comprises a pattern correspondingto a corner portion of an area rug floor covering product independentfrom the sample display element.
 20. A floor covering sample displayelement as recited in claim 19, wherein said rug element furtherincludes one or more integral readable pattern identification legendsidentifying at least a portion of said at least two selectable patterns.21. A display system for simultaneously presenting a plurality of floorcovering product patterns comprising: a display rack and a plurality ofsample rug elements supported on said display rack, wherein at least aportion of said plurality of sample rug elements comprise a patternedsurface including an arrangement of at least two selectable patternscorresponding to patterns of floor covering products independent fromthe sample rug element.
 22. A display system according to claim 21,wherein said floor covering products independent from the sample rugelement comprise area rugs.
 23. A display system as recited in claim 22,wherein at least a portion of said plurality of sample rug elements areof a size and shape substantially corresponding to said area rugs.
 24. Adisplay system as recited in claim 22, wherein said arrangement of atleast two selectable patterns comprises at least one inlayed patternportion across said patterned surface.
 25. A display system as recitedin claim 22, wherein said arrangement of at least two selectablepatterns comprises at least one color tufted pattern portion across saidpatterned surface.
 26. A display system as recited in claim 22, whereinsaid arrangement of at least two selectable patterns comprises at leastone dyed pattern portion across said patterned surface.
 27. A displaysystem as recited in claim 26, wherein said at least one dyed patternportion comprises a screen printed dye pattern.
 28. A display system asrecited in claim 26, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portioncomprises a transfer printed dye pattern.
 29. A display system asrecited in claim 26, wherein said at least one dyed pattern portioncomprises a jet printed dye pattern.
 30. A display system as recited inclaim 21, wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement ofthree or more selectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floorcovering products independent of the sample display element.
 31. Adisplay system as recited in claim 21, wherein said patterned surfaceincludes an arrangement of four or more selectable patternscorresponding to patterns for floor covering products independent of thesample display element.
 32. A display system as recited in claim 21,wherein said patterned surface includes an arrangement of six or moreselectable patterns corresponding to patterns for floor coveringproducts independent of the sample display element.
 33. A display systemas recited in claim 21, wherein said patterned surface includes anarrangement of eight or more selectable patterns corresponding topatterns for floor covering products independent of the sample displayelement.
 34. A display system as recited in claim 21, wherein said atleast two selectable patterns comprise substantially similar geometricdesigns but are different in color.
 35. A display system as recited inclaim 21, wherein said at least two selectable patterns comprisesubstantially different geometric designs.
 36. A display system forsimultaneously presenting a plurality of floor covering product patternscomprising: a display rack and a plurality of sample rug elementssupported on said display rack, wherein at least a portion of saidplurality of sample rug elements comprise a patterned surface includingan arrangement of a plurality of selectable patterns corresponding topatterns of area rug floor covering products independent from the samplerug element and wherein at least a portion of said sample rug elementsfurther include one or more integral readable pattern identificationlegends identifying at least a portion of said selectable patterns.